Outdoor-installed power conditioner device

ABSTRACT

An enclosure is formed of an outer case and a lid. The outer case includes a first projecting strip portion provided on a top face side of the outer case and on an outer peripheral portion defining an opening, and extending to project outwardly from the outer case, and the lid includes a second projecting strip portion provided at a position facing the first projecting strip portion. With the opening of the outer case closed with the lid, the first and second projecting strip portions make close contact with each other along a direction in which these portions extend. This structure can protect the inside from an external factor such as rainwater or dust.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an outdoor-installed power conditionerconverting direct current (DC) power produced by an independent DC powersupply into alternating current (AC) power to supply the power to ageneral AC load for home and business use or to an existing commercialpower system.

BACKGROUND ART

A solar battery is known as a simple and clean energy source withoutemitting toxic substances. Exposed to sunlight, it operates as a DCpower supply and outputs DC power. A power conditioner for photovoltaicpower generation system serves to convert DC power generated by a solarbattery into AC power to supply the power to a general AC load or to anexisting commercial power system. Since the solar battery is installedat a location receiving sunlight, such as on a roof of a house, thepower conditioner for photovoltaic power generation system is alsoinstalled outdoors in many cases.

To protect such an outdoor-installed power conditioner from externalfactors such as rainwater, dust or impact, an enclosure is used to housethe outdoor-installed power conditioner. FIG. 22 is a perspective viewshowing an enclosure for a conventional outdoor-installed powerconditioner.

Referring to FIG. 22, an enclosure 201 for an outdoor-installed powerconditioner includes an outer case 202 housing the power conditioner anda lid 203. Outer case 202 is open at its one side face, and lid 203 isused to close the opening. Lid 203 is fastened to outer case 202 fromthe opening front side of outer case 202, with a plurality of screws204.

FIG. 23 is a front view showing the outdoor-installed power conditionerhoused in the outer case in FIG. 22. Referring to FIG. 23, outer case202 houses an input/output terminal pad 207 for connectinginterconnections from a commercial power system 209 and a DC powersupply 208, and a power converter 206 for converting DC power into ACpower. When carrying out electric work for connecting theinterconnections from DC power supply 208 and commercial power system209, screws 204 are loosened to remove lid 203 from outer case 202, andthen the work is carried out.

However, in enclosure 201 for the conventional outdoor-installed powerconditioner, the number of screws 204 used for fastening should beincreased to achieve closer contact between outer case 202 and lid 203to prevent rainwater or the like from infiltrating into the inside froma gap between the attachment faces of outer case 202 and lid 203. Suchan increase in the number of screws 204 causes problems of an increasein manufacturing cost and a decrease in workability of attaching lid 203to outer case 202.

In addition, in enclosure 201 for the outdoor-installed powerconditioner, since lid 203 is fastened with screws 204 from the frontside of enclosure 201, the appearance of enclosure 201 is spoiled.

Further, when lid 203 is removed from outer case 202 for carrying outthe work for connecting the interconnections, power converter 206 willbecome exposed since lid 203 has the same size as that of the opening ofouter case 202. If the work for connecting the interconnections iscarried out in such a situation, the worker may accidentally touch ordamage power converter 206. Furthermore, a foreign matter such as dustis more likely to enter the inside of outer case 202 during the work forconnecting the interconnections.

The following is another conventional outdoor-installed powerconditioner. FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing an appearance of theconventional outdoor-installed power conditioner.

Referring to FIG. 24, an outdoor-installed power conditioner 301includes an outer case 302, a lid 304 closing an opening provided on thefront side of outer case 302, and a mounting plate 303.Outdoor-installed power conditioner 301 is installed outdoors withmounting plate 303 mounted on an outer wall of a building. An intakevent 305 is provided in a bottom face 302 a of outer case 302, and anexhaust vent 306 is provided in a rear face 302 b of outer case 302.Intake vent 305 is provided with rectangular holes arranged in aplurality of rows. Mounting plate 303 is provided on rear face 302 b ofouter case 302 in communication with exhaust vent 306, and a slitportion 307 is provided in its side face.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view along the line XXV-XXV in FIG. 24.Referring to FIG. 25, a power converter 335 converting DC power outputfrom a solar battery or the like into AC power is provided within outercase 302. A power element 314, which is the most heat generating elementin power converter 335, is provided so as to contact a surface of a heatsink 311 attached on bottom face 302 a of outer case 302.

In an upper part of outer case 302, a fan supporting portion 317 isfastened on rear face 302 b of outer case 302 with a screw 318. A fan316 is fastened to fan supporting portion 317 with screws 315 a and 315b so as to be located between fan supporting portion 317 and heat sink311. A rotary blade is provided within fan 316, blowing air in adirection indicated by an arrow 331. The air introduced by fan 316 intofan supporting portion 317 flows in a direction indicated by an arrow332 and is exhausted from exhaust vent 306. Fan 316 is provided suchthat the direction indicated by arrow 331 and the direction indicated byarrow 332 form an angle β of 90°.

Rear face 302 b of outer case 302 is provided with an upper hook portion320, a middle hook portion 333, and a lower screw-fastened portion 319.Outer case 302 is fixed to mounting plate 303 by locking these portionsto facing portions of mounting plate 303 and fastening them with screws.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view along the line XXVI-XXVI in FIG. 24.With reference to FIG. 26, a cooling structure of conventionaloutdoor-installed power conditioner 301 will now be described.

Referring to FIG. 26, outside cool air is taken in from intake vent 305provided in bottom face 302 a of outer case 302 into heat sink 311 byoperating a rotary blade 329 within fan 316. The inside of heat sink 311is divided into a plurality of chambers by blade portions extendingvertically, and the air passes through each chamber formed in thismanner. Since the heat generated at power element 314 has been conductedto the blade portions of heat sink 311, the air passes in contact withthe blade portions within heat sink 311 and removes the heat of theblade portions. As a result, power converter 335 is cooled down.

The air heated by heat exchange with the blade portions within heat sink311 moves to an upper part of heat sink 311, passes through an aperture323 provided in a bottom face of fan 316 and an aperture 324 provided ina bottom face of fan supporting portion 317, and is blown into fansupporting portion 317. The air blown into fan supporting portion 317first strikes against an upper face of fan supporting portion 317. About50 percent of the air striking against the upper face flows in adirection toward exhaust vent 306 indicated by an arrow 326, and theremaining 50 percent flows in a direction opposite to exhaust vent 306indicated by an arrow 327 and circulates within fan supporting portion317.

The air exhausted from exhaust vent 306 passes through a space formed bymounting plate 303 and is exhausted from slit portion 307. Since the airflows in a direction indicated by an arrow 328 in this case, it firststrikes against mounting plate 303 and is exhausted from slit portion307 to the outside of outdoor-installed power conditioner 301.

In the cooling structure actively taking in outside cool air to air-coolthe inside with the air as described above, air used for heat exchangeshould readily be exhausted outside the conditioner. Further, theenclosure for an outdoor-installed power conditioner should protect theelectronics provided in the enclosure from external factors such asrainwater or dust. Furthermore, since the fan taking in outside air isdriven by a motor and is a consumable, it is to be replaced at the endof its life. Thus, maintenance of the fan should be performed easily.

However, in conventional outdoor-installed power conditioner 301, thedirection in which the air blown out by fan 316 flows is relativelyperpendicular to the direction in which the air exhausted from exhaustvent 306 flows, and thus the air taken in by fan 316 is not efficientlyexhausted to the outside of outer case 302. Further, also withinmounting plate 303, the air first strikes against mounting plate 303,and thus is not efficiently exhausted from slit portion 307 to theoutside of outdoor-installed power conditioner 301. Due to theabove-mentioned reasons, efficiency for cooling power converter 335 inheat sink 311 may be reduced, leading to the possibility of an increasein the temperature of power converter 335 not being suppressedsufficiently.

Further, if opening areas of intake vent 305 and exhaust vent 306 areenlarged in an attempt to take in more air to the inside of outer case302 and improve cooling efficiency, rainwater may infiltrate into outercase 302 from intake vent 305 and exhaust vent 306 during a rainstorm orthe like.

Furthermore, when fan 316 is to be removed from outer case 302 for itsmaintenance, interference of heat sink 311 and power converter 335 whenremoving screws 315 a and 315 b is troublesome. Therefore, firstly,screw 318 should be unfastened to remove fan supporting portion 317 fromouter case 302, and then screws 315 a and 315 b should be unfastened toremove fan 316 from fan supporting portion 317. Performing such a worktakes time and effort, degrading workability during the maintenance offan 316.

Still another conventional outdoor-installed power conditioner isdisclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 11-122949. The powerconditioner includes an enclosure, and an exhaust vent is provided in arear face of the enclosure. Cooling wind cooling a power supplyapparatus within the enclosure is exhausted from the exhaust vent. Theenclosure is mounted via a wall-hung plate attached on an outer wallsurface. Here, a spacer piece is provided between the wall-hung plateand the rear face of the enclosure, which forms a gap between theexhaust vent and the outer wall surface to prevent the exhaust vent frombeing blocked by the outer wall.

In the above power conditioner, the cooling wind is exhausted from theexhaust vent provided in the rear face of the enclosure. Since theperiphery of the exhaust vent is open to the outside, rainwater mayeasily infiltrate from the exhaust vent into the enclosure. Further,when trash such as fallen leaves accumulates between the rear face ofthe enclosure and the outer wall surface, the exhaust vent may beclogged by the trash.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

A first object of the invention is to provide an enclosure for anoutdoor-installed power conditioner which effectively protects theoutdoor-installed power conditioner from an external factor such asrainwater or dust and is excellent in appearance and workability duringmaintenance.

A second object of the invention is to provide an outdoor-installedpower conditioner which efficiently exhausts air taken into theconditioner via a fan, prevents rainwater from infiltrating into theconditioner from an intake vent and an exhaust vent, and is excellent inworkability during maintenance of the fan.

A third object of the invention is to provide an outdoor-installed powerconditioner capable of securing an exhaust channel reliably andpreventing rainwater infiltration into its inside.

An outdoor-installed power conditioner according to the presentinvention includes an enclosure housing a power converter therein. Theenclosure includes an outer case having a side face provided with anopening for housing the power converter, and a lid for closing theopening. The outer case includes a first projecting strip portionprovided on a top face side of the outer case and on an outer peripheralportion defining the opening, and extending with projecting outwardlyfrom the outer case. The lid includes a second projecting strip portionprovided at a position facing the first projecting strip portion. Withthe opening of the outer case closed with the lid, the first and secondprojecting strip portions make close contact with each other along adirection in which the first and second projecting strip portionsextend.

According to the outdoor-installed power conditioner formed as describedabove, since the first and second projecting strip portions are in closecontact along the direction in which the first and second projectingstrip portions extend, rainwater falling on a top face of theoutdoor-installed power conditioner can be prevented from infiltratinginto the enclosure from a gap between the outer case and the lid. Inaddition, by taking a structure in which the first or the secondprojecting strip portion is fitted into a concave portion partly formedby the other projecting strip portion to achieve close contact betweenthe first and the second projecting strip portions, fixing means to fixthe lid to the outer case can be omitted on the top face side. Thus,manufacturing cost can be reduced, and appearance of theoutdoor-installed power conditioner can be improved.

Preferably, the outer peripheral portion is formed of a ribbed body,surrounding the opening and projecting from the side face provided withthe opening. According to the outdoor-installed power conditioner formedas described above, strength in the opening of the outer case can beimproved.

Preferably, the first projecting strip portion extends from one end tothe other end of the outer peripheral portion provided with the firstprojecting strip portion. According to the outdoor-installed powerconditioner formed as described above, rainwater falling on the top faceof the outdoor-installed power conditioner can be guided to both sidesof the outer peripheral portion. Since the rainwater guided to the bothsides of the outer peripheral portion is guided downward by gravity anddrained, it does not infiltrate into the enclosure.

Preferably, the first or the second projecting strip portion includes aportion guiding the other projecting strip portion when the opening ofthe outer case is closed with the lid. According to theoutdoor-installed power conditioner formed as described above, since oneprojecting strip portion is guided by the other projecting strip portionwhen the opening of the outer case is closed with the lid, the first andthe second projecting strip portions can be brought into close contactsmoothly. Therefore, workability in attaching the lid to the outer casecan be improved. Further, such a structure can prevent a case where aworker mistakenly thinks that the lid is attached at an appropriateposition and thus rainwater infiltrates from a gap made on that occasioninto the enclosure.

Preferably, the lid further includes first fixing means provided in aface other than a face facing the opening to fix the lid to the outercase. According to the outdoor-installed power conditioner formed asdescribed above, since the first fixing means is provided in a faceother than the face facing the opening, the appearance of theoutdoor-installed power conditioner can be improved.

Preferably, the outdoor-installed power conditioner includes the powerconverter requiring no maintenance work and a maintenance portionrequiring maintenance work, and the lid includes a first portion closingthe power converter and a second portion closing the maintenanceportion. According to the outdoor-installed power conditioner formed asdescribed above, when performing maintenance for the outdoor-installedpower conditioner, required work can be performed by removing only thesecond portion closing the maintenance portion requiring maintenancework. This can prevent a foreign material such as dust from entering theinside of the enclosure. Further, this can prevent a worker fromaccidentally touching or damaging the power converter requiring nomaintenance work while working.

Preferably, second fixing means fixing the first portion to the outercase is covered with the second portion. According to theoutdoor-installed power conditioner formed as described above, since thesecond fixing means fixing the first portion is covered with the secondportion and thus not discernible in appearance, the appearance of theenclosure can be improved. Further, since the first and the secondportions are adjacent to each other so as to completely close up theouter case, covering the second fixing means with the second portion inthis manner can easily be achieved.

Preferably, the second portion is provided lower than the first portion,and each of the first and second portions has an edge confronting eachother. The edge of the second portion is bent toward the inside of theenclosure to form an inclined face, and the inclined face is located ona line extending from the edge of the first portion. According to theoutdoor-installed power conditioner formed as described above, rainwaterfalling down from an outer surface of the first portion can be preventedfrom infiltrating into the enclosure from a gap formed at a positionwhere the first and the second portions confront each other.

Preferably, the enclosure includes an intake vent and a first exhaustvent, and a fan cooling down the power converter is provided in theenclosure. The fan blows air taken in from the intake vent to flowthrough the power converter to the first exhaust vent. The fan isinclined with respect to the first exhaust vent such that a direction inwhich the air blown out from the fan flows and a direction in which theair exhausted from the first exhaust vent flows form an acute angle.

According to the outdoor-installed power conditioner formed as describedabove, the air taken in from the intake vent by the fan cools down thepower converter as a heat source of the outdoor-installed powerconditioner. Since the relative position of the fan with respect to thefirst exhaust vent is determined such that the direction in which theair blown out from the fan flows and the direction in which the airexhausted from the first exhaust vent flows form an acute angle, the airused for heat exchange with the power converter is efficiently exhaustedfrom the first exhaust vent out of the enclosure. This can suppress anincrease in the temperature of the power converter provided within theenclosure.

Preferably, the outdoor-installed power conditioner further includes anexhaust channel forming member communicating with the first exhaust ventand provided adjacent to the enclosure. The exhaust channel formingmember includes a second exhaust vent for exhausting the air exhaustedfrom the first exhaust vent out of the outdoor-installed powerconditioner. According to the outdoor-installed power conditioner formedas described above, since the exhaust channel forming member is providedadjacent to the enclosure so as to cover the first exhaust vent, thisstructure can prevent outside rainwater from infiltrating directly fromthe first exhaust vent into the enclosure. Thus, electronics such as thepower converter provided within the enclosure can be protected fromrainwater.

Preferably, the outdoor-installed power conditioner further includes anexhaust guide guiding the air from the first exhaust vent toward thesecond exhaust vent. According to the outdoor-installed powerconditioner formed as described above, since the air exhausted from thefirst exhaust vent is guided toward the second exhaust vent by theexhaust guide, the air can efficiently be exhausted out of theoutdoor-installed power conditioner. This can further suppress anincrease in the temperature of the power converter provided within theenclosure.

Preferably, the outdoor-installed power conditioner further includes awaterproof member formed on the inside of the enclosure to cover theintake vent. The waterproof member includes an intake guide guiding theair from the intake vent toward the power converter. According to theoutdoor-installed power conditioner formed as described above, rainwatercan be prevented from infiltrating from the intake vent into theenclosure during a rainstorm or the like. Thus, electronics such as thepower converter provided within the enclosure can be protected fromrainwater. Further, since the waterproof member has the intake guide,the air taken in from the intake vent into the enclosure can be guidedtoward the power converter as a heat source. By effectively guidingoutside cool air toward the power converter in this manner, an increasein the temperature of the power converter can further be suppressed.

Preferably, the fan is mounted to be directly attachable to anddetachable from the enclosure. According to the outdoor-installed powerconditioner formed as described above, the fan can easily be removedfrom the enclosure when, for example, a motor connected to the fanreaches the end of its life. Thus, the fan can easily be replaced,improving workability in maintenance of the fan.

Preferably, the enclosure has an intake vent and a first exhaust vent,and the enclosure is provided with a fan blowing air taken in from theintake vent to flow through the power converter to the first exhaustvent to cool down the power converter. An exhaust channel forming memberis connected to the enclosure, and the exhaust channel forming membercommunicates with the first exhaust vent to form an exhaust channeltherein, and has a second exhaust vent for exhausting the air within theexhaust channel outside. The exhaust channel forming member has a topface inclined so as to become lower in level with distance from theenclosure.

According to the outdoor-installed power conditioner formed as describedabove, an exhaust channel from the first exhaust vent provided in theenclosure can reliably be secured by means of the exhaust channelforming member. Further, infiltration of rainwater or the like into thefirst exhaust vent can be prevented by the exhaust channel formingmember. Furthermore, the top face of the exhaust channel forming memberis inclined so as to become lower in level with distance from theenclosure, allowing rainwater to immediately run down to the sideopposite to the outer case without accumulating on the top face of theexhaust channel forming member. Even when there is a joint between theexhaust channel forming member and the enclosure, rainwater infiltrationfrom the joint can be prevented. For these reasons, an exhaust channelcan be secured and electronics within the enclosure can be protectedfrom rainwater.

Preferably, the second exhaust vent is located lower than the firstexhaust vent, and a first water stop member projecting toward theexhaust channel is provided along a lower end portion of the firstexhaust vent. According to the outdoor-installed power conditionerformed as described above, rainwater infiltration into the enclosure canbe suppressed by the first water stop member even when the rainwaterfanned by wind infiltrates through the second exhaust vent into theexhaust channel during a rainstorm or the like.

Preferably, a second water stop member is provided to project toward aposition lower than the first water stop member in the exhaust channel,and the second water stop member is provided on a face facing a faceprovided with the first water stop member. According to theoutdoor-installed power conditioner formed as described above, thesecond water stop member makes rainwater infiltration into the enclosuremore difficult.

Preferably, the second water stop member is inclined to form asubstantially right angle with respect to the top face of the exhaustchannel forming member. According to the outdoor-installed powerconditioner formed as described above, the heated air exhausted from thefirst exhaust vent can smoothly be guided into the exhaust channel.

Preferably, the second exhaust vent is located in each of a right sideface and a left side face of the exhaust channel forming member.Comparing an exhaust route formed between the second exhaust vent in theright side face and a right end of the first exhaust vent with anexhaust route formed between the second exhaust vent in the left sideface and a left end of the first exhaust vent, a portion of the secondwater stop member located on the exhaust route having a longer distanceis formed to project longer than a portion of the second water stopmember located on the exhaust route having a shorter distance. Accordingto the outdoor-installed power conditioner formed as described above,rainwater infiltration into the enclosure can be suppressed whileminimizing an adverse effect on exhaust efficiency by the second waterstop member.

Preferably, the enclosure is mounted on a joining surface by locking theenclosure to the exhaust channel forming member fixed on the joiningsurface. According to the outdoor-installed power conditioner formed asdescribed above, the enclosure can be mounted on the joining surface bymeans of the exhaust channel forming member, and securing of an exhaustchannel and attachment of the enclosure can be performed at the sametime.

Preferably, the air exhausted from the first exhaust vent is guided by abackside of an inclined top panel forming the top face of the exhaustchannel forming member, and introduced to a lower part of the exhaustchannel. According to the outdoor-installed power conditioner formed asdescribed above, the exhausted air can smoothly be guided to the lowerpart of the exhaust channel by means of the inclined top panel. Further,the number of members required can be reduced, compared with the casewhere such a guide member is provided separately.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an enclosure for anoutdoor-installed power conditioner in a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line III-III in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a condition in which a lid isattached to an outer case in the enclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of attaching the lidto the outer case in the enclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI in FIG. 1, withthe lid attached to the outer case.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of a power conditioner for a photovoltaicpower generation system to be housed in the enclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing the power conditioner for a photovoltaicpower generation system housed in the outer case of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an enclosure for anoutdoor-installed power conditioner in a second embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing a power conditioner for a photovoltaicpower generation system housed in the enclosure of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along the line XI-XI in FIG. 9, with alid attached to an outer case.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along the line XII-XII in FIG. 9, withthe lid attached to the outer case.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view seen from the front side showing astructure of an outdoor-installed power conditioner in a thirdembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view along the line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view along the line XV-XV in FIG. 13.

FIGS. 16A to 16D show a structure of an exhaust channel forming member:FIG. 16A is a front view, FIG. 16B is a side view, FIG. 16C is a bottomview, and FIG. 16D is a top view.

FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram of a system using an outdoor-installedpower conditioner.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view along the line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 13.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view seen from the rear side showing thestructure of the outdoor-installed power conditioner in the thirdembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view seen from the front side showing astructure of an outdoor-installed power conditioner in a fourthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view along the line XXI-XXI in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing an enclosure for a conventionaloutdoor-installed power conditioner.

FIG. 23 is a front view showing the conventional outdoor-installed powerconditioner.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the conventionaloutdoor-installed power conditioner.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view along the line XXV-XXV in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view along the line XXVI-XXVI in FIG. 24.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be describedwith reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an enclosure for anoutdoor-installed power conditioner in a first embodiment of the presentinvention. Referring to FIG. 1, an enclosure 1 housing a power converterinstalled outdoors includes an outer case 2 and a lid 3. Outer case 2and lid 3 are made of a metal material. Outer case 2 and lid 3 areformed so as to have equal-sized attachment faces to eliminatedifference in level on the surface of enclosure 1, improving theappearance of enclosure 1.

An opening 4 is provided in a front face 2 b, one of the four side facesof outer case 2. Along the periphery of opening 4, an outer peripheralportion 5 is formed so as to project from front face 2 b. On a top face5 m of outer peripheral portion 5, a plate member 7 is providedextending from one end 15 to the other end 16 of top face 5 m. In abottom face 5 n of outer peripheral portion 5, a plurality of screwholes 8 b for fastening lid 3 to outer case 2 are formed. It is to benoted that, although outer peripheral portion 5 is formed along theperiphery of opening 4 and plate member 7 is provided on outerperipheral portion 5 in the present embodiment, outer peripheral portion5 may not be formed and plate member 7 may be directly attached on frontface 2 b defining opening 4, on a side close to top face 2 a. Inaddition, means for fastening lid 3 to outer case 2 is not limited toscrews, and may be a structure employing fit.

On a top face 3 m of lid 3, a plate member 10 is provided at a positionfacing plate member 7 when lid 3 is attached to outer case 2. In abottom face 3 n of lid 3, a plurality of holes 8 a identified as firstfixing means are provided at positions corresponding to screw holes 8 bwhen lid 3 is attached to outer case 2.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II in FIG. 1.Referring to FIG. 2, plate member 7 extends as projecting from top face5 m of outer peripheral portion 5, and then it is directed towardopening 4 to form a bent guide portion 7 a. On this occasion, a bentangle 22 is larger than 90°, and guide portion 7 a is formed to beinclined. Plate member 7 is attached to outer peripheral portion 5 byspot welding.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line III-III in FIG. 1.Referring to FIG. 3, plate member 10 extends as projecting inwardly fromtop face 3 m of lid 3. Plate member 10 is attached to lid 3 by spotwelding.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a condition in which the lid isattached to the outer case in the enclosure of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 shows across-sectional view of a portion where plate members 7 and 10 closelycontact. Referring to FIG. 4, a rear face 3 p of lid 3 and a face 10 mof plate member 10 facing rear face 3 p form a concave portion. An endface 5 p of outer peripheral portion 5 and a face 7 m of plate member 7facing face 10 m form a convex portion. With lid 3 attached to outercase 2, the concave portion of lid 3 is inserted to the convex portionof outer case 2 formed in this manner. As a result, face 7 m of platemember 7 and face 10 m of plate member 10 are brought into closecontact. Further, since plate members 7 and 10 are located as facingeach other and their sectional shape is identical from one end 15 to theother end 16, close contact is achieved across one end 15 to the otherend 16.

It is to be noted that a waterproof packing member having weatherresistance may be affixed to face 7 m or 10 m to further achieve closercontact between face 7 m of plate member 7 and face 10 m of plate member10. When using the waterproof packing member, it has an effect ofpreventing faces 7 m and 10 m from being damaged by the contact witheach other.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of attaching the lidto the outer case in the enclosure of FIG. 1. The cross section shown inFIG. 4 corresponds to that shown in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 5, whenlid 3 is to be attached to outer case 2, firstly, an end face 10 n ofplate member 10 comes into contact with a guide face 7 n of guideportion 7 a. Since guide face 7 n is inclined, end face 10 n is guidedsmoothly from guide face 7 n to face 7 m. On this occasion, lid 3 movesin an inclined condition to coincide with the inclination of guide face7 n. Thereafter, when the top face of lid 3 and the top face of outercase 2 come to have an identical height, a lower part of lid 3 is pushedin toward outer case 2. Through the procedure set forth above, lid 3 canbe attached to outer case 2 to achieve close contact between face 7 m ofplate member 7 and face 10 m of plate member 10.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI in FIG. 1, withthe lid attached to the outer case. Referring to FIG. 6, outer case 2and lid 3 are fastened with a screw 31, using hole 8 a and screw hole 8b. A space 32 is formed between top face 5 m of outer peripheral portion5 and top face 3 m of lid 3. Similarly, a space 33 is formed on a side.Rainwater falling on enclosure 1 infiltrates through a gap between topface 2 a of outer case 2 and top face 3 m of lid 3 onto top face 5 m ofouter peripheral portion 5. However, since plate members 7 and 10 are inclose contact with each other, the rainwater does not intrude into outercase 2. The rainwater passes through space 32 formed at the rear ofplate members 7 and 10, and is guided to space 33 formed on both sides.Thereafter, it is drained out of enclosure 1 through a gap (not shown)from lid 3 provided at a corner portion 34 of outer peripheral portion5.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of a power conditioner for a photovoltaicpower generation system to be housed in the enclosure of FIG. 1.Referring to FIG. 7, the power conditioner for a photovoltaic powergeneration system includes an input/output terminal pad 51 and a powerconverter 54. Power converter 54 includes a main circuit component 52such as a switching element, and a control circuit component 53 such asa microcomputer. A DC power supply 55, a commercial power system 57 andan in-home electric load 56 are formed outside enclosure 1.Interconnections from DC power supply 55, commercial power system 57 andin-home electric load 56 and an interconnection from power converter 54are connected to input/output terminal pad 51. The power conditioner fora photovoltaic power generation system within enclosure 1 is grounded bymeans of an earth wire 58 via input/output terminal pad 51.

The power conditioner for a photovoltaic power generation system formedas described above converts DC power generated by a solar battery andoutput from DC power supply 55 into AC power at a frequency of 50/60 Hzin power converter 54. Then, it supplies the AC power to commercialpower system 57 or in-home electric load 56.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing the power conditioner for a photovoltaicpower generation system housed in the outer case of FIG. 1. Referring toFIG. 8, power converter 54 is mounted to an upper part of outer case 2,and input/output terminal pad 51 is mounted to a lower part of outercase 2. Further below input/output terminal pad 51, there are provided aplurality of interconnection holes 61 for guiding an interconnectionfrom input/output terminal pad 51 to outside DC power supply 55,commercial power system 57 or in-home electric load 56.

It is to be noted that, although the present invention is applied to apower conditioner for a photovoltaic power generation system in thepresent embodiment, it may be applied to a power conditioner for anothersystem using a DC power supply such as a fuel cell.

According to enclosure 1 for the outdoor-installed power conditionerformed as described above, plate members 7 and 10 are in close contactfrom one end 15 to the other end 16, preventing rainwater falling onenclosure 1 from infiltrating from top face 5 m of outer peripheralportion 5 to the inside of outer case 2. Since the rainwater is guideddownward through the both sides of outer peripheral portion 5 anddrained, the power conditioner housed in enclosure 1 can be protectedfrom the rainwater. In addition, since lid 3 is attached to outer case 2from the bottom of enclosure 1, the attached part cannot be seen fromthe front side of enclosure 1 (from front face 2 b in which the openingis provided). Thus, the appearance of enclosure 1 can be improved.Further, since plate members 7 and 10 are brought into close contact byinserting the concave portion formed by lid 3 to the convex portionformed by outer case 2, lid 3 does not have to be attached to outer case2 by means of a screw or the like at the upper part of enclosure 1.Therefore, workability of attaching lid 3 to outer case 2 and theappearance of enclosure 1 can be improved. Furthermore, since guideportion 7 a is provided on plate member 7, lid 3 can smoothly beattached to outer case 2. Therefore, workability of attaching lid 3 toouter case 2 can be improved. Further, such a structure can prevent acase where a worker mistakenly thinks that lid 3 is attached at anappropriate position and thus rainwater infiltrates from a gap made onthat occasion into enclosure 1.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an enclosure for anoutdoor-installed power conditioner in a second embodiment of thepresent invention. Referring to FIG. 9, an enclosure 50 for a powerconditioner for a photovoltaic power generation system includes an outercase 65 and a lid 66. Lid 66 includes a lid 66 a as a first portionclosing an upper part of outer case 65 and a lid 66 b as a secondportion closing a lower part of outer case 65. That is, lid 66 b isprovided at a position closer to the ground than lid 66 a. Outer case 65is identical to outer case 2 in the first embodiment except that afastening plate 91 for attaching lid 66 a is provided.

In lid 66 a, a fastening plate 71 is provided at a position confrontinglid 66 b. On fastening plate 71, rectangular-shaped slits 72 are formedat a plurality of locations. At both ends of fastening plate 71, holes73 for fastening lid 66 a to outer case 65 are provided. Plate member 10is provided as in lid 3 of the first embodiment. In lid 66 b, a hookedportion 81 is formed at a position facing slit 72 formed in fasteningplate 71 of lid 66 a. Hole 8 a is provided as in lid 3 of the firstembodiment.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing the power conditioner for a photovoltaicpower generation system housed in the enclosure of FIG. 9. Referring toFIG. 10, lid 66 a closes power converter 54 constituting the powerconditioner. Lid 66 b closes input/output terminal pad 51 constitutingthe power conditioner, and interconnection hole 61. When performinginstallation work, measuring voltage and current at a periodicinspection, or the like, work must be performed at input/output terminalpad 51 and interconnection hole 61. Input/output terminal pad 51 andinterconnection hole 61 will be referred to as a maintenance portion 62.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along the line XI-XI in FIG. 9, withthe lid attached to the outer case. FIG. 11 shows details of a portionin which lid 66 a is fastened to outer case 65. Referring to FIG. 11,lids 66 a and 66 b have edges 95 and 96, respectively, at a positionwhere lids 66 a and 66 b confront each other. Edge 96 of lid 66 b isprovided with an inclined face 94 formed so as to be directed toward theinside of enclosure 50 as it approaches lid 66 a.

On a rear face of fastening plate 91 provided to outer case 65, a nut 93is attached by crimping. With lid 66 a attached to outer case 65,fastening plates 71 and 91 have face-to-face contact with each other.Via hole 73 provided in fastening plate 71, lid 66 a is attached toouter case 65 by means of a screw 92 and nut 93 as second fixing means.After attaching lid 66 a to outer case 65, lid 66 b is attached to outercase 65. Since lid 66 b is attached so as to cover screw 92 on thisoccasion, screw 92 is hidden by lid 66 b when enclosure 50 is seen fromthe front side.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along the line XII-XII in FIG. 9, withthe lid attached to the outer case. Referring to FIG. 12, lid 66 b isattached to outer case 65 with hooked portion 81 provided to lid 66 binserted into slit 72 provided in lid 66 a. Thus, relative positionalrelation between lid 66 a and lid 66 b is fixed, more reliablypreventing rainwater falling down lid 66 a from infiltrating from a gapbetween lid 66 a and lid 66 b to the inside of enclosure 50.

It is to be noted that a waterproof packing member (such as siliconerubber) may be affixed from one end to the other end of fastening plate71 so as to fill a space 97 formed between hooked portion 81 andfastening plate 71. When using such a waterproof packing member,rainwater infiltration from a gap between lid 66 a and lid 66 b can beprevented even in a case where rainwater hits the ground, splashesupward, and is blown up from the bottom of enclosure 50 during arainstorm. Further, with outer case 65 closed with lids 66 a and 66 b, awaterproof packing member may be affixed on rear face portions of lids66 a and 66 b facing a vertically extending end face 5 b of outerperipheral portion 5 shown in FIG. 9. When using such a waterproofpacking member, rainwater infiltration from a gap between lids 66 a and66 b and outer peripheral portion 5 can be prevented even in a casewhere rainwater hits a building, splashes and is blown in from behindthe both sides of enclosure 50 during a rainstorm.

According to enclosure 50 for the power conditioner for a photovoltaicpower generation system formed as described above, since enclosure 50includes lid 66 b closing only maintenance portion 62, maintenance ofthe power conditioner can be performed by removing lid 66 b. This canprevent a worker from accidentally touching or damaging power converter54 while working. In addition, this can prevent a foreign material suchas dust from entering the inside of enclosure 50. Further, since screw92 is covered with lid 66 b, appearance seen from the front side ofenclosure 50 can be improved. Furthermore, since lid 66 b has inclinedface 94, rainwater falling down the surface of lid 66 a can be preventedfrom infiltrating from a gap between edge 95 of lid 66 a and edge 96 oflid 66 b to the inside of enclosure 50.

Third Embodiment

In the following, an outdoor-installed power conditioner in a thirdembodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 13 isa perspective view seen from the front side showing a structure of anoutdoor-installed power conditioner in the present embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 13, an outdoor-installed power conditioner 101includes an outer case 102 constituting an enclosure and a lid 104covering an opening provided on the front side of outer case 102. Anexhaust channel forming member 103 is connected to the enclosure, andoutdoor-installed power conditioner 101 is installed outdoors bymounting exhaust channel forming member 103 on an outer wall of abuilding. An intake vent 105 is provided in a bottom face 102 a of outercase 102, and a first exhaust vent 106 is provided in a rear face 102 bof outer case 102. Intake vent 105 is formed with rectangular holesarranged in a plurality of rows. Exhaust channel forming member 103 isprovided on rear face 102 b of outer case 102 so as to internallycommunicate with the first exhaust vent 106, and a second exhaust vent107 in the shape of a slit extending vertically is provided in its eachside face.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view along the line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13.Referring to FIG. 14, on the inside of bottom face 102 a of outer case102, a waterproof cover 111 is provided so as to cover intake vent 105.Waterproof cover 111 has an opening 112 in its top face. On rear face102 b of outer case 102, a heat sink 113 is provided so as to be locatedabove waterproof cover 111. The inside of heat sink 113 is divided intoa plurality of chambers by a plurality of blade portions extendingvertically. On the front face of heat sink 113, there is provided apower converter 114 converting DC power output from a solar battery orthe like into AC power.

A fan supporting portion 118 is provided along a top face 102 c of outercase 102, and a plurality of apertures 119 are formed in its bottomface. It is to be noted that the bottom face of fan supporting portion118 is inclined so as to become lower in level toward rear face 102 b ofouter case 102. The inside of fan supporting portion 118 communicateswith the first exhaust vent 106 provided in rear face 102 b of outercase 102. On the inclined bottom face of fan supporting portion 118facing heat sink 113, there are provided a pair of fans 115 a and 115 b,each of which faces aperture 119 formed in fan supporting portion 118.An aperture 117 is formed in a bottom face of fan 115. A rotary blade116 is provided within fan 115, and rotary blade 116 is connected to amotor (not shown) within fan 115. It is to be noted that the firstexhaust vent 106 is provided as extending from a central portion to aright end portion in FIG. 14, and it is not provided at a portionadjacent to a left end. Although such a structure is employed in thepresent embodiment, if heat sink 113 is provided so as to extend fromthe right end portion to the left end portion of outer case 102, anotherfan 115 may be added and the first exhaust vent 106 may be provided soas to extend to the left end portion.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view along the line XV-XV in FIG. 13.Referring to FIG. 15, an intake guide 133 extending toward a lower partof heat sink 113 is formed on the top face of waterproof cover 111. Apower element 134, which is the most heat generating element in powerconverter 114, is provided so as to contact a surface of a heat sink113.

The bottom face of fan supporting portion 118 is inclined, and thebottom face is in contact with a fan connecting portion 135 of fan 115.Fan 115 is fixed by inserting a convex portion 120 at the forwardportion of the bottom face of fan supporting portion 118 into a slitportion (not shown) at fan connecting portion 135 and fastening a lowerend of each side of fan connecting portion 135 to rear face 102 b ofouter case 102 by means of a screw 136 a. Screw 136 a is provided suchthat its screw head is directed to an opening 131 of outer case 102.Therefore, when performing maintenance of fan 115, fan 115 can directlybe removed from outer case 102 by removing lid 104 from outer case 102and unfastening screw 136 a from the side of opening 131 of outer case102. Further, when attaching a new fan to outer case 102, theabove-mentioned procedure may be performed in the reverse order.

Rotary blade 116 within fan 115 is provided such that a rotation axis ofrotary blade 116 intersects the bottom face of fan supporting portion118 at right angles. As rotary blade 116 within fan 115 is driven, airis blown in a direction indicated by an arrow 146. The direction ofarrow 146 corresponds to the direction of the rotation axis of rotaryblade 116 in fan 115. The air introduced into fan supporting portion 118by fan 115 flows in a direction indicated by an arrow 147, and isexhausted from the first exhaust vent 106 to the outside of outer case102. On this occasion, the bottom face of fan supporting portion 118 isinclined such that an angle α formed by the direction indicated by arrow146 and the direction indicated by arrow 147 becomes 70°. Thus, the airwithin outer case 102 can efficiently be blown to exhaust vent 106.

It is to be noted that, in the present embodiment, angle α formed by thedirection indicated by arrow 146 and the direction indicated by arrow147 is set at 70°. As long as angle α is smaller than a right angle,that is, an acute angle, the air within outer case 102 can be blown toexhaust vent 106 more efficiently than in the case where angle α is 90°.With this structure, the head of arrow 146 indicating the direction ofthe rotation axis of rotary blade 116, that is, the direction of the airblown by rotary blade 116, is inclined toward the first exhaust vent106. This allows the air exhausted from fan 115 to flow toward the firstexhaust vent 106 easily.

Rear face 102 b of outer case 102 is provided with an upper hook portion137, a middle hook portion 140, and a lower screw-fastened portion 138.At positions corresponding to these portions on exhaust channel formingmember 103, there are provided an upper engaged portion 152, a middleengaged portion 153, and a lower engaged portion 154, respectively.Outer case 102 is fixed to exhaust channel forming member 103 by lockingthese portions and fastening them with screws. Thus, an exhaust channel151 surrounded by rear face 102 b of outer case 102 and an inner face ofexhaust channel forming member 103 is formed. Further, by fixing outercase 102 to exhaust channel forming member 103 in this manner,outdoor-installed power conditioner 101 can be prevented from beingdetached from exhaust channel forming member 103 due to a rainstorm orthe like.

A first water stop member 108 is provided along a lower end portion ofthe first exhaust vent 106 formed in the upper part of rear face 102 bof outer case 102. The first water stop member 108 lies so as to extendfrom one end to the other end of the first exhaust vent 106. Further,the first water stop member 108 is provided so as to form a right anglewith an opening plane of the first exhaust vent 106, in other words,with rear face 102 b of outer case 102, and to project toward the insideof exhaust channel 151.

FIGS. 16A to 16D show a structure of the exhaust channel forming member.FIG. 16A is a front view, FIG. 16B is a side view, FIG. 16C is a bottomview, and FIG. 16D is a top view. An inclined top panel 110 forming atop face of exhaust channel forming member 103 is formed by bending anupper end portion of a rear panel 103 a of exhaust channel formingmember 103 so as to be inclined at an obtuse angle with respect to rearpanel 103. Thus, when exhaust channel forming member 103 is attached toouter case 102, the surface of inclined top panel 110 forming its topface is inclined so as to become lower in level with distance from outercase 102. Further, upper engaged portion 152 is provided continuouslyfrom an upper end portion of inclined top panel 110.

A side panel 103 b and a bottom panel 103 c of exhaust channel formingmember 103 are formed by bending end portions of rear panel 103 a ofexhaust channel forming member 103 at right angles. A second exhaustvent 107 is provided in each side panel 103 b of exhaust channel formingmember 103. On rear panel 103 a of exhaust channel forming member 103, asecond water stop member 109 is provided so as to be located upper thanthe second exhaust vent 107. The second water stop member 109 projectstoward exhaust channel 151 obliquely downwardly, and is provided in adirection perpendicular to inclined top panel 110. Further, the secondwater stop member 109 has different projecting lengths depending on itsposition. A leftward part of the second water stop member 109 in FIG.16A substantially corresponding to a position in which the first exhaustvent 106 is not provided is formed so as to project longer than theother part. In exhaust channel forming member 103, middle engagedportion 153 is provided on rear plate 103 a, and lower engaged portion154 is provided on bottom plate 103 c.

FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram of a system using the outdoor-installedpower conditioner in the present embodiment. With reference to FIG. 17,the system using the outdoor-installed power conditioner will bedescribed briefly.

Referring to FIG. 17, power converter 114 is provided within outer case102. Power converter 114 includes a main circuit component such as aswitching element, and a control circuit component such as amicrocomputer. Interconnections from an external DC power supply 155, acommercial power system 157 and an in-home electric load 156 areconnected to power converter 114.

In the system using the outdoor-installed power conditioner formed asdescribed above, DC power output from DC power supply 155 can beconverted via power converter 114 into AC power at a frequency of 50/60Hz, as in the first embodiment. Then, the AC power can be supplied tocommercial power system 157 or in-home electric load 156.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view along the line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 13.With reference to FIG. 18, a cooling structure of outdoor-installedpower conditioner 101 will be described.

Waterproof cover 111 has a cross section shaped in a rectangular box,and opening 112 is formed so as to be located in the proximity of thelower part of heat sink 113. An inclined plate 105 a is formed at intakevent 105 so as to be directed toward the inside of outer case 102,thereby preventing rainwater infiltration from intake vent 105 to theinside of outer case 102 during a rainstorm or the like.

Outside cool air is taken in from intake vent 105 to the inside of outercase 102 by driving rotary blade 116 within fan 115. The air taken inpasses through a space formed within waterproof cover 111 and isexhausted from opening 112. On this occasion, the air is guided byintake guide 133 formed on waterproof cover 111, and moves to a space163 formed within heat sink 113.

Space 163 is divided into a plurality of chambers by verticallyextending blade portions 121 (see FIG. 14) formed within heat sink 113,and the air passes through each chamber of space 163. The heat generatedat power element 134 has been conducted to blade portions 121 of heatsink 113. The heat of blade portions 121 is removed as the cool airpasses in contact with blade portions 121 within heat sink 113. As aresult, power converter 114 is cooled down.

The air heated by heat exchange with blade portions 121 when passingthrough space 163 within heat sink 113 is exhausted upward from heatsink 113. The air is taken in by fan 115, and passes through aperture117 of fan 115 and aperture 119 of fan supporting portion 118. Then,after being guided to a space 164 within fan supporting portion 118, theair is exhausted from the first exhaust vent 106. On this occasion, theair passing though fan 115 moves along an axial direction of rotaryblade 116. Since fan 115 is provided so as to be inclined as describedabove, when the angle α is 70°, about 60 percent of the air strikingagainst the upper face of fan supporting portion 118 flows in adirection toward the first exhaust vent 106 indicated by an arrow 167,and the remaining about 40 percent flows in a direction opposite to thefirst exhaust vent 106 indicated by an arrow 166 and circulates withinfan supporting portion 118. Thus, the air in outer case 102 canefficiently be blown to the first exhaust vent 106.

The air exhausted from the first exhaust vent 106 moves along thebackside of inclined top panel 110 and is guided to a lower part ofexhaust channel 151, as indicated by arrows. Then, through exhaustchannel 151 bent by the projecting first water stop member 108 andsecond water stop member 109, the air is exhausted from the secondexhaust vent 107 out of outdoor-installed power conditioner 101. Sincethe second water stop member 109 is provided in the directionperpendicular to the backside of inclined top panel 110, it allows theair guided by inclined top panel 110 to flow smoothly. In this manner,inclined top panel 110, the first water stop member 108 and the secondwater stop member 109 serve as an exhaust guide guiding the air inexhaust channel 151.

Since exhaust channel 151 is formed surrounded by exhaust channelforming member 103 and rear face 102 b of outer case 102, exhaustchannel 151 can be secured reliably without being effected by failure ininstalling outdoor-installed power conditioner 101 or an external factorsuch as dust accumulation after the installation. In this manner, anincrease in the temperature of power converter 114 can be suppressed byefficiently circulating air for cooling within outdoor-installed powerconditioner 101 and performing forced air cooling of power converter114.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view seen from the rear side showing thestructure of the outdoor-installed power conditioner. Referring to FIG.19, outdoor-installed power conditioner 101 is installed outdoors bymounting exhaust channel forming member 103 on the outer wall of thebuilding. In this manner, exhaust channel forming member 103 serves as amounting plate. The first exhaust vent 106 provided in outer case 102 iscovered with exhaust channel forming member 103. This structure preventsrainwater from infiltrating from the first exhaust vent 106 to theinside of outer case 102.

Further, the top face of exhaust channel forming member 103 is inclinedso as to become lower in level with distance from outer case 102, inother words, as it approaches the outer wall on which theoutdoor-installed power conditioner is mounted. Even in a downpour orthe like, rainwater runs down to the outer wall side withoutaccumulating on the top face of inclined top panel 110. This structurecan prevent rainwater from infiltrating through a gap between upper hookportion 137 and upper engaged portion 152 shown in FIGS. 14 and 18 tothe inside of outdoor-installed power conditioner 101.

Referring to FIG. 19, the shortest exhaust route between the secondexhaust vent 107 a located in the left side face and the first exhaustvent 106 is formed between the second exhaust vent 107 a and the leftside end portion of the first exhaust vent 106. Similarly, the shortestexhaust route between the second exhaust vent 107 b located in the rightside face and the first exhaust vent 106 is formed between the secondexhaust vent 107 b and the right side end portion of the first exhaustvent 106. Here, the second exhaust vent 107 is located at a positionlower than the first exhaust vent 106.

Assuming a rainstorm with stormy gusts of wind, rainwater infiltratingfrom the second exhaust vent 107 located at a lower position intoexhaust channel 151 may infiltrate from the first exhaust vent 106 tothe inside of outer case 102. On this occasion, since the exhaust routefrom the second exhaust vent 107 b on the right side to the firstexhaust vent 106 is longer than the exhaust route from the secondexhaust vent 107 a on the left side to the first exhaust vent 106 asseen in FIG. 19, the infiltration angle of rainwater becomes gentler.Further, the first water stop member 108 is not provided at the rightportion in FIG. 19 in which the first exhaust vent 106 is not formed.These factors may increase the possibility of rainwater infiltrationfrom the second exhaust vent 107 b in the right side face.

In the present embodiment, to maintain waterproofing ability even insuch a condition, the second water stop member 109 located between thesecond exhaust vent 107 b in the right side face and the first exhaustvent 106 is formed to project longer so as to block a linear rainwaterinfiltration route formed therebetween. Thus, even if you look insidefrom either of the second exhaust vents 107, the first exhaust vent 106cannot be seen.

With this structure, even if rainwater hits the ground, splashes upwardand infiltrates from the second exhaust vent 107 to the inside, forexample, rainwater infiltration into the first exhaust vent 106 can beprevented by means of the first water stop member 108 and the secondwater stop member 109. At the same time, the length of the second waterstop member 109 is set as necessary, minimizing an adverse effect onexhaust efficiency in exhaust channel 151 by the second water stopmember 109.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a fourth embodiment of an outdoor-installed power conditioner willbe described. FIG. 20 is a perspective view seen from the front sideshowing a structure of an outdoor-installed power conditioner in thepresent embodiment, and FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view along the lineXXI-XXI in FIG. 20. In these drawings, members corresponding to those inthe third embodiment have same reference numerals.

In the fourth embodiment, the top face of exhaust channel forming member103 is formed horizontally. Further, an exhaust guide 139 a is attachedon rear face 102 b of outer case 102 to guide the air exhausted from thefirst exhaust vent 106 to the lower part of exhaust channel 151smoothly.

Also in the present embodiment, fan 115 is inclined with respect toexhaust vent 106 such that the direction indicated by arrow 146 as thedirection in which the air blown out from fan 115 flows and thedirection indicated by arrow 147 as the direction in which the airexhausted from exhaust vent 106 flows form an acute angle.

According to a cooling structure of outdoor-installed power conditioner101 formed as described above, since the direction indicated by arrow146 as the direction in which the air blown out from fan 115 flows andthe direction indicated by arrow 147 as the direction in which the airexhausted from exhaust vent 106 flows form an acute angle, the air blownout from fan 115 is efficiently exhausted from exhaust vent 106 out ofouter case 102. In addition, by means of intake guide 133 provided onwaterproof cover 111, outside cool air is efficiently guided from intakevent 105 into heat sink 113. Further, by means of exhaust guide 139provided within a space formed by mounting plate 3, the air exhaustedfrom the first exhaust vent 106 is efficiently guided to the secondexhaust vent 7. For these reasons, an increase in the temperature ofpower converter 114 can be suppressed by efficiently circulating air forcooling within outdoor-installed power conditioner 101 and performingforced air cooling of power converter 114.

As has been described above, both in the third and the fourthembodiments, fan 115 is inclined with respect to the first exhaust vent106 such that the direction in which the air blown out from fan 115flows and the direction in which the air exhausted from the firstexhaust vent 106 flows form an acute angle. A conventionaloutdoor-installed power conditioner has a problem that the air taken inby the fan is not efficiently exhausted out of the outer case becausethe direction in which the air blown out by the fan flows is relativelyperpendicular to the direction in which the air exhausted from theexhaust vent flows. On the other hand, in the third and the fourthembodiments, the structure as described above can solve the conventionalproblem and allows the air exhausted from fan 115 to be exhausted fromthe first exhaust vent 106 efficiently. Thus, cooling efficiency withinoutdoor-installed power conditioner 101 is improved, as compared withthe conventional outdoor-installed power conditioner.

Further, in the third and the fourth embodiments, waterproof cover 111is provided so as to cover intake vent 105, preventing rainwater frominfiltrating from intake vent 105 to a space provided with electronicssuch as power converter 114. Particularly, even in a condition thatrainwater hits the ground, splashes upward and is blown up from bottomface 102 a of outer case 102 during a rainstorm or the like, rainwaterinfiltration can effectively be prevented. Thus, electronics providedwithin outer case 102 can be protected from rainwater more reliably.

Now, a comparison of the third embodiment with the fourth embodimentindicates that the third embodiment has more excellent features than thefourth embodiment as described below. In the fourth embodiment, sincethe top face of exhaust channel forming member 103 is formedhorizontally, rainwater may accumulate thereon when a rainstorm occurs.In that case, the rainwater may infiltrate into exhaust channel 151 froma gap between upper hook portion 137 and upper engaged portion 152. Theinfiltrating rainwater may further be fanned by wind from the secondexhaust vent 107 and infiltrate via the first exhaust vent 106 intoouter case 102.

On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the top face of exhaustchannel forming member 103 is inclined so as to become lower in levelwith distance from outer case 102. Thus, rainwater does not accumulateon inclined top plate 110 forming the top face of exhaust channelforming member 103, and runs down to the side opposite to outer case102. This structure can prevent rainwater from infiltrating to theinside from a gap between upper hook portion 137 and upper engagedportion 152, that is, between the connecting portions of outer case 102and exhaust channel forming member 103.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, exhaust guide 139 a is provided infront of the first exhaust vent 106. On the other hand, in the thirdembodiment, since inclined top plate 110 forming the top face of exhaustchannel forming member 103 is inclined as described above, the backsideof inclined top plate 110 guides the air exhausted from the firstexhaust vent 106 to the lower part of exhaust channel 151. Thus, thenumber of members required can be reduced, compared with the fourthembodiment.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As has been described above, the outdoor-installed power conditioner inaccordance with the present invention can be used with being mounted onan outer wall of a building or the like. Since it has an excellentwaterproof structure, it is suitable especially when being installed ata location where rain or the like falls thereon.

1. An outdoor-installed power conditioner, comprising an enclosurehousing a power converter therein, wherein said enclosure includes anouter case having a side face provided with an opening for housing thepower converter and a lid for closing said opening, said outer caseincluding a first projecting strip portion provided on a side close to atop face of said outer case and on an outer peripheral portion definingsaid opening, and extending to project outwardly from said outer case,said lid including a second projecting strip portion provided at aposition facing said first projecting strip portion, and with saidopening of said outer case closed with said lid, said first and secondprojecting strip portions making close contact with each other along adirection in which said first and second projecting strip portionsextend.
 2. The outdoor-installed power conditioner according to claim 1,wherein said outer peripheral portion is formed of a ribbed body,surrounding said opening sand projecting from said side face providedwith said opening.
 3. The outdoor-installed power conditioner accordingto claim 1, wherein said first projecting strip portion extends from oneend to the other end of said outer peripheral portion provided with saidfirst projecting strip portion.
 4. The outdoor-installed powerconditioner according to claim 1, wherein said first or secondprojecting strip portion includes a portion guiding the other projectingstrip portion when said opening of said outer case is closed with saidlid.
 5. The outdoor-installed power conditioner according to claim 1,wherein said lid further includes first fixing means provided in a faceother than a face facing said opening to fix said lid to said outercase.
 6. The outdoor-installed power conditioner according to claim 1,wherein said enclosure houses said power converter requiring nomaintenance work and a maintenance portion requiring maintenance work,and said lid includes a first portion closing said power converter and asecond portion closing said maintenance portion.
 7. Theoutdoor-installed power conditioner according to claim 6, wherein secondfixing means fixing said first portion to said outer case is coveredwith said second portion.
 8. The outdoor-installed power conditioneraccording to claim 6, wherein said second portion is provided lower thansaid first portion, each of said first and second portions has an edgeconfronting each other, the edge of said second portion is bent towardinside of said enclosure to form an inclined face, and said inclinedface is located on a line extending from the edge of said first portion.9. The outdoor-installed power conditioner according to claim 1, whereinsaid enclosure includes an intake vent and a first exhaust vent, saidenclosure is provided with a fan blowing air taken in from said intakevent to flow through said power converter to said first exhaust vent tocool down said power converter, and said fan is inclined with respect tosaid first exhaust vent such that a direction in which the air blown outfrom said fan flows and a direction in which the air exhausted from saidfirst exhaust vent flows form an acute angle.
 10. The outdoor-installedpower conditioner according to claim 9, further comprising an exhaustchannel forming member communicating with said first exhaust vent andprovided adjacent to said enclosure, wherein said exhaust channelforming member includes a second exhaust vent for exhausting the airexhausted from said first exhaust vent out of the outdoor-installedpower conditioner.
 11. The outdoor-installed power conditioner accordingto claim 10, further comprising an exhaust guide guiding the air fromsaid first exhaust vent toward said second exhaust vent.
 12. Theoutdoor-installed power conditioner according to claim 9, furthercomprising a waterproof member formed on inside of said enclosure tocover said intake vent, wherein said waterproof member includes anintake guide guiding the air from said intake vent toward said powerconverter.
 13. The outdoor-installed power conditioner according toclaim 9, wherein said fan is mounted to be directly attachable to anddetachable from said enclosure.
 14. The outdoor-installed powerconditioner according to claim 1, wherein said enclosure includes anintake vent and a first exhaust vent, said enclosure is provided with afan blowing air taken in from said intake vent to flow through saidpower converter to said first exhaust vent to cool down said powerconverter, and an exhaust channel forming member is connected to saidenclosure, said exhaust channel forming member communicating with saidfirst exhaust vent to form an exhaust channel therein, and including asecond exhaust vent for exhausting the air within said exhaust channeloutside, and said exhaust channel forming member having a top faceinclined so as to become lower in level with distance from saidenclosure.
 15. The outdoor-installed power conditioner according toclaim 14, wherein said second exhaust vent is located lower than saidfirst exhaust vent, and a first water stop member projecting toward saidexhaust channel is provided along a lower end portion of said firstexhaust vent.
 16. The outdoor-installed power conditioner according toclaim 15, wherein a second water stop member is provided to projecttoward a position lower than said first water stop member in saidexhaust channel, and said second water stop member is provided on a facefacing a face provided with said first water stop member.
 17. Theoutdoor-installed power conditioner according to claim 16, wherein saidsecond water stop member is inclined to form a substantially right anglewith respect to the top face of said exhaust channel forming member. 18.The outdoor-installed power conditioner according to claim 16, whereinsaid second exhaust vent is located in each of a right side face and aleft side face of said exhaust channel forming member, and a projectinglength of said second water stop member located on one of an exhaustroute formed between said second exhaust vent in the right side face anda right end of said first exhaust vent and an exhaust route formedbetween said second exhaust vent in the left side face and a left end ofsaid first exhaust vent, with a longer distance when comparedtherebetween, is set to be longer than the projecting length of thesecond water stop member located on the exhaust route of a shorterdistance.
 19. The outdoor-installed power conditioner according to claim14, wherein said enclosure is mounted on a joining surface by lockingsaid enclosure to the exhaust channel forming member fixed on thejoining surface.
 20. The outdoor-installed power conditioner accordingto claim 14, wherein the air exhausted from said first exhaust vent isguided by a backside of an inclined top panel forming the top face ofsaid exhaust channel forming member, and introduced to a lower part ofsaid exhaust channel.